Adverse Effects of Bevacizumab During Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer 
Pages 24-29
Kenji Ina, Ryuichi Furuta, Takae Kataoka, Sayaka Sugiura, Satoshi Kayukawa, Takayuki Kanamori, Takaki Kikuchi, Megumi Kabeya, Satoshi Hibi and Shu Yuasa
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-7229.2015.04.01.4
Published: 12 February 2015

Abstract: Objective:Bevacizumab has been increasingly used in combination chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer.The aim of this report is to underline the possible risks associated with bevacizumab use.

Methods:Between July 2005 and March 2013, a total of 130 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who received oxaliplatin as first-line chemotherapy were divided into 2 groups those treated with bevacizumab (group A) and those without (group B), and compared. The primary endpoint was to clarify the profile of bevacizumab - induced adverse effects. Secondary endpoints examined therapeutic effects, including overall survival (OS).

Results:The incidence of major side effects was almost equivalent, except for bleeding, between the 2 groups. With regard to the therapeutic effects, 1 patient in group A showed complete disappearance of multiple lung metastases without any evidence of recurrence. The median OS was 926 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 756 - 1257) in group A and 534 days (95% CI, 421 – 621) in group B (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:The results demonstrate that bevacizumab prolonged survival in these patients although there was an increased risk of clinically significant bleeding.